Prague - any suggestions?

[AndRu]

I've just booked our October half term trip - Tuesday 24th to Friday 28th October in Prague. Using BMI Baby I've just got my DW, myself and three kids return flights from East Midlands for £151.25

The thing is, I haven't a clue what to expect! We're going to find a hotel this weekend and book that. Has anyone who's been got any recomendations? I had thought about hiring a car but as we'd be spending most of our time in/around the city I don't see much point. Surely someone on here has been to Prague, do you have any suggestions for 'must see'? Accomodation? Things to do?

Thanks in advance

 

[TracyK]

Prague is absolutely beautiful. We went last October. It's a great time to go, so pretty by the river with all the autumnal colours. We stayed at the Renaissance Prague which was lovely but I don't think they did family rooms for 5. Both my sisters have also been, they're families of four. I'll ask them for family hotels.

Restaurants are plentiful and extremely cheap. I found the people to be friendly and their English was great. The architecture is stunning. I wouldn't bother with a car. The city is very compact and it is so beautiful to walk round the small, cobbled streets.

You must go to the castle which is on a hill and has some lovely views over the city. The best views are from a place called Petrin Hill, there is a lovely viewing tower, like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower. There is a funicular railway to take you there but we walked through a park and a lovely woodland area, stunning at that time of year.

The Old Town Square is lovely with so many beautiful buidings. It's usually very busy but it's really nice to sit at one of the outdoor restaurants (heated) and drink a nice mulled wine and watch the world go by.

I'm sure you'll love it.

Tracy

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi Andrew,

Never been myself but my friends have been and said a car is not necessary. It's meant to be a beautiful place

Not very helpful probably!

Karen

 

[vernon]

I'd agree on not needing a car if you're just spending a few days in the city itself. I walked pretty much everywhere when I stayed there, occassionally used a taxi.
I'd also agree that there are some excellent cafes and restaurants that are very well priced.

Do try to make sure the hotel you get is close to the town square, my daughter had a school trip to Prague and they booked their hotel RIGHT OUT in the boondocks LOL. It's a much better idea to pay a little extra to make sure the hotel you get is centrally located.

I was on a business trip, so I didn't get to do too much sight seeing, but the Jewish quarter, Wenceslas (Sp?) Square, Charles Bridge, Castle and the Old Town Square were all interesting places to wander through.

 

[WDWfan uk]

We went to Prague almost a year ago - it is a beautiful city - get ready for lots of walking!! Don't hire a car! It will be more trouble than it's worth! If October is like March, be prepared for it to get really cold and as you are out a lot, you'll need to take scarves etc - I swear the temperature goes down even lower on the Charles Bridge (and the nearby shops only sell touristy tack),

There is a huge tram system that covers the whole of the city.

Do visit the Municipal House - I love the cafe there - very Art Nouveau and atmospheric where you can eat some gorgeous cakes and a jazz band entertained all afternoon. There is also a good restaurant there, plus concerts etc - in fact you are never far away from concerts, shows etc and you will probably get handed leaflets to watch this or that taking place that very evening. This city buzzes with culture and if that's not your style, there's plenty of bars and clubs.
http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=649

Also on that site some great info and it really is worth reading the history of this city.

Take the children to see Laterna Magika (no language barrier as it is a mix of film, visual effects, and ballet) or the Black Light Theater or the Marionette theater - choose your show carefully (some may be opera but there are others that aren't!) in one of the main theatres (not the little venues where the shows aren't really up to the mark)

Two things to watch out for - pickpocketing teams at the weekend ( we had a close shave with one of these on a Sunday taking a tram to the castle - I think Sunday was the worst day for their "activity"), and cab-drivers taking you for all you are worth. Very recently the mayor posed as a tourist and took various cabs around the city and angrily exposed the practise of fleecing tourists so hopefully that will get better, but we only used the taxis that had a stand on our hotel grounds.